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Orthoceras fossil – 400 million year old nautiloid cephalopod – devonian era – morocco – authentic straight shell fossil with certificate
Orthoceras fossil – 400 million year old nautiloid cephalopod – devonian era – morocco – authentic straight shell fossil with certificate - Image 2

Orthoceras fossil – 400 million year old nautiloid cephalopod – devonian era – morocco – authentic straight shell fossil with certificate

£12.96

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

**Please note: Some Fossils maybe propped up for photo purposes**

Specimen: Orthoceras

Age: Devonian

Location: Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm):   27 x 9 x 44mm (1.06 x 0.35 x 1.73 inches)

Orthoceras, meaning “Straight Horn”, was a mollusc that lived more than 400 million years ago. Its name refers to the characteristic long, straight, conical shell these marine animals possessed. The soft body lived in the last open-ended segment at the large end of the conical shell, the preserved fossilised shell is all that remains of this ancestor of our modern-day squid. As the body grew and the housing segment became too small, a dividing wall, called the septa, grew to separate the old “home chamber” from the new one. The siphuncle is a tube that runs the entire length of the shell, through each of the chambers. Once filled with water, the nautiloid could force the water out, propelling itself backward with a kind of jet propulsion, which would have served as a quick retreat if feeling threatened. By releasing the water and leaving air in the space, the tube could serve as a buoyancy device allowing the animal to rise and lower itself to different depths.

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

**Please note the following:

1) This items picture will change once we update the listing to a new replacement specimen after this specific item has been sold, this action will cause the picture in your purchase history to also change to the new image.

2) The picture will also change if you’ve had the item in your basket for a while and someone else buys it during that period (having items stored in your basket does not remove that listing from the view of other customers, meaning it will still be active on eBay).

3) We would suggest saving, or taking a screenshot of the items image as soon as you have purchased it for your own records of comparison for once the item has been received in the post. We also keep a record of every image we upload.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9769 Category:

Description

Own a fascinating piece of prehistoric marine life with this genuine Orthoceras fossil from the Devonian period, over 400 million years old. Sourced from the fossil-rich region of Morocco, this specimen represents one of the earliest and most recognisable marine cephalopods in Earth’s history.

Orthoceras, meaning “Straight Horn,” refers to the creature’s iconic long, straight conical shell. These extinct molluscs are early ancestors of modern-day squid and cuttlefish. Their soft body resided in the open, larger end of the shell, while the rest of the structure consisted of a series of chambers separated by walls called septa.

Running through each chamber is a central tube called the siphuncle, which allowed the Orthoceras to regulate the gas and fluid in the chambers—providing buoyancy and enabling vertical movement in the water column. In moments of danger, it could expel water in a powerful jet, rapidly propelling itself backwards in retreat—a primitive form of jet propulsion!

Specimen Details:

  • Name: Orthoceras
  • Age: Devonian Period (~400 million years ago)
  • Type: Nautiloid Cephalopod
  • Location Found: Morocco
  • Scale Cube = 1cm – please refer to the photo for full sizing.

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

You will receive the EXACT specimen shown in the photos. Each fossil is individually selected and photographed to ensure you receive exactly what is advertised.

  • Measurements are taken as accurately as possible but may be approximate due to the irregular nature of fossil shapes.
  • Colours may vary depending on lighting conditions (e.g., sunlight or indoor lighting) and individual screen settings.

Important Purchase Notes:

  1. This item listing will be refreshed with a new specimen and image once this piece is sold, which may also update the image in your order history.
  2. If you’ve added this to your basket and someone else buys it first, the item may update to a new listing automatically.
  3. We recommend saving or screenshotting the item image after purchase for your personal reference. All item images are archived by us.

A beautiful and scientifically significant piece of natural history, this Orthoceras fossil makes an ideal gift, collector’s item, or educational resource. Order today and hold a genuine piece of Earth’s ancient oceans in your hands!

Additional information

Weight 2.5 g
Era

Devonian
Origin

Morocco

Devonian Information

The Devonian Period (419–359 million years ago), known as the "Age of Fishes," was a time of major evolutionary advances in both marine and terrestrial life. The oceans were dominated by armored placoderm fish, early sharks, and lobe-finned fish like Tiktaalik, which had features that helped vertebrates transition to land. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites became more diverse. On land, the first forests appeared, with early trees like Archaeopteris, leading to a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate cooling. The first tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) began evolving from fish, marking a critical step in the evolution of amphibians. The period ended with the Devonian extinction, likely caused by ocean anoxia and climate shifts, wiping out many marine species and reshaping ecosystems.

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